Naturalist Intern Program

See the application forms at the bottom of this page for the deadlines for each season at Five Rivers and Reinstein Woods.

DEC's environmental education centers (Five Rivers, Reinstein Woods, Rogers and Stony Kill) offer ten- to sixteen-week naturalist training internships to persons seeking professional experience in environmental education. Each intern will receive training in the mission and role of the DEC environmental education bureau, a wide variety of center programs, the operations and activities of a center, principles of environmental interpretation, and natural history of New York. Interns will assume the role of environmental education staff in carrying out the responsibilities necessary to meet the center's objectives. Opportunities for training and development of specific skills will be available depending on each intern's interests and the center's needs.

The internships run for 10 to 16 weeks (depending on the center) and are held year-round.

Qualifications

Anyone with a minimum of two years of college-level study or equivalent experience and able to work in the United States may apply. Academic training in natural resources, natural sciences (biology, geology, etc.), environmental science, interpretation, education, recreation or a related field is advantageous. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong natural history background, experience with teaching or youth leadership, and a demonstrated interest in environmental education. We expect interns to have a professional attitude and exemplify the standards of the NYSDEC. Valid driver's license required.

Complete a project (to be arranged with the intern's supervisor). Examples of past projects:

Plan and present a walk on a particular topic either on or off-site

Create a theme slide show

Design and construct an exhibit

Develop new lesson plans and teaching activity materials

Write a seasonal trail guide

Administrative Duties:

Complete a visual impressions report of grounds, trails, and exhibits

Interview each staff member for practice in interviewing and to learn about each staff member's job

Assist staff in planning seasonal general public programs

Attend a meeting of the center's not-for-profit support organization

Care for live animals

Visit other environmental education centers

Check trails and exhibits, update program announcements

Survey nest box use

Perform other duties as assigned by environmental education center staff

Complete an evaluation of the Naturalist Internship Program

Living Arrangements

Normal work days are 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM Monday through Friday. Some weekend and evening work is required with compensatory time off. Depending on availability, each center may provide housing, with a fully-equipped kitchen, furnished living room, and private bedroom. Interns receive a stipend of approximately $330 per week. Check with each center individually for exact living arrangements and exact amount of the weekly stipend.